We've been experiencing a nice freeze thaw cycle in Chamonix, so we decided to tackle a well known and sunny couloir on off the Aiguille d'Argentiere, the y-couloir.
Y-couloir and Aiguille d'Argentiere
Spring ski mountaineering in Chamonix
It's right at the end of the season, so crowds were minimal, we got on the second lift of the day and quickly got down onto the glacier to start skinning. We made quick work of the still frozen couloir, but it was runneled and bumpy so we decided instead to traverse over the summit and down a mellow route. It doesn't always go to plan, but it is always being up in the high mountains.
Tuesday, May 1st is the last chance to get the lift up to the Argentiere basin, Grand Montets is also hosting it's famous 'Freeride day' closing party. The weather looks fairly mixed and a bit snowy, so we might be skiing powder on the last day of the season.
Exploring beyond the ski resort boundaries is an amazing experience for anyone who's physically fit and has mastered the pistes well enough. There are, however, risks associated with venturing outside the safety of the marked/patrolled ski area, including awareness of your actions on those below you on the slopes. Mountain guides are professionally qualified and have extensive knowledge of the local terrain, to provide you with the safest and most enjoyable possible experience in the mountains; as a visitor here we highly recommend you hiring one. Many ski schools and also mountain guides provide instruction in off-piste skiing, avalanche safety and mountaineering techniques. Make your time in the mountains unforgettable for the right reasons, ski safe!
Airport Transfers in Chamonix
Transfers for Chamonix
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Private & Shared Airport Transfers
Low-cost shared and private transfer shuttle service from Geneva Airport
This company offers two great value shuttle services as well as a private service from Geneva and Lyon Airports to the Chamonix Valley. Established, efficient, and reliable transfers with solid reviews and reputation.
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Scheduled/Shuttle Coach Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €29.50 per person one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy regular departures, convenient stops throughout the Chamonix Valley and ski luggage included at no extra cost. With year-round services, airport assistance and experienced alpine drivers, travelling from Geneva is affordable and straightforward.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Chamonix from €272 per minivan one-way (weekend rate)
With over 5,000 rides completed and 95% of clients returning, this private transfer service is designed around the needs of skiers, from reliable airport pick-ups to comfortable journeys to your accommodation. Experienced, professional English-speaking drivers, vehicles prepared for Alpine winter conditions and no extra luggage fees for skis or snowboards help make travelling easier. With airport meet and greet, door-to-door transfers, secure online booking and a focus on punctuality, you can organise your Chamonix transfer with greater peace of mind.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva Airport to Chamonix from €229 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy a hassle-free journey to Chamonix with an experienced Alpine transfer company operating since 2012. Private door-to-door transfers come with professional drivers who know the mountain roads and flight monitoring to help manage delays. Choose between standard or VIP minibuses, with complimentary child seats available for families. Free onboard Wi-Fi and handy pick-up reminders are among the thoughtful extras that help make your journey easier.
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Private Airport Transfers
Eco-friendly private transfers from Geneva to the Chamonix valley
This company provides private transfers in fully electric vehicles around the Chamonix valley, operating from airports and train stations to the ski resorts.
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Private Airport Transfers
Geneva to Chamonix from €300 per vehicle one-way (weekend rate)
Enjoy exclusive vehicles, direct door-to-door travel and flexible collection times from four major airports. With year-round availability, premium vehicle options and experienced alpine drivers, private transfers offer a comfortable journey throughout the Chamonix Valley.
Ski Hire in Chamonix
Ski Hire in Chamonix
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Chamonix Ski
Ski, snowboard, freeride & monoskiing equipment hire near the foot of the Brevent ski area
This ski and snowboard hire shop is only a 3-minute walk from the centre of Chamonix and perfectly located if you're staying in the Les Pècles / Les Moussoux.
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Sanglard Sports
Quality ski hire at the entrance to Chamonix's Place Mont Blanc, with easy parking
Situated right on the roundabout as you come into the centre of Chamonix from the main highway - so there's a minimum of carrying equipment and a maximum amount of convenience - just grab your skis or snowboard and go! Jonty and his team will welcome you and provide a professional and friendly service.
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Balme Sports
Balme Sports is ideally located in the centre of Le Tour
You can’t wait for your next ski trip? Everything is already booked except your ski equipment? Don’t worry, they’ll help you find the perfect equipment to fully enjoy your ski holiday in Chamonix-Le Tour!
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Stamos Sports
One stop shop for all your ski and snowboard equipment hire in Argentiere
No need to carry your ski equipment around with you! Simply pick it up from the ski shop in resort. You can collect your equipment from at least 5pm the day before your first skiing day.
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Place du Téléphérique
Ski hire shop located right next to Bellevue cable car
Ski hire shop located at the bottom of a ski run, next to a restaurant and beside a ski lift. Save time and money by booking online with Intersport. Have your equipment ready to pick up as soon as you arrive and hit the slopes straight away!
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Technique Extreme
Save 10% extra: use promo code STWSKI when booking ski hire online
The rental shop SKI REPUBLIC de Chamonix is ideally located: as you arrive in resort head for the ski lift l'Aiguille du Midi, where you will find a street of the same name, the shop is 50m downhill from the ski lift, with many parking spaces available for you to load up your equipment.
Ski Schools in Chamonix
Ski School Lessons in Chamonix
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Group ski lessons
Small groups for adults and children of all abilities with a well-established and trusted ski school
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British ski schools in France and is renowned for its fantastic instructors and excellent customer service.
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Group ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering group ski and snowboard lessons
The perfect choice for group ski lessons in the Chamonix Valley if you're staying in Vallorcine, Le Tour or Montroc, or would like to discover the beautiful Balme ski area at the top end of the valley.
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Private ski lessons
Largest French ski school offering private ski and snowboard lessons
This ski school welcomes everyone from beginners to experts in private lessons.
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Group ski lessons
Group ski and snowboard lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities
This ski school offers group ski lessons for both children and adults, catering to all ability levels. Their group lessons provide a great and affordable way to improve your skiing in a safe, social and supportive environment.
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Private Ski Lessons
Exceptional coaching tailored to your needs for unforgettable skiing
Improve your skiing with personalised private lessons in Chamonix, with a world-class team of instructors available across the valley and at all meeting points. Every lesson is tailored to your ability, learning style and ambitions, with individual coaching, carefully chosen terrain and a focus on helping you build confidence, develop your technique and become a more independent skier.
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Private ski lessons
British school offering a wide range of private lesson options tailored to all ages and abilities
Established in 1991, this ski and snowboard school was one of the first British-run ski schools in France. Their team is known for going the extra mile, offering excellent customer service and delivering outstanding lessons and guiding.
Winter Things To Do in Chamonix
Wintersport Things To Do in Chamonix
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Snowshoe guided walks
Half day and full day snowshoe walks in Vallorcine
Explore the fantastic natural scenery around Vallorcine, Le Tour and Montroc by going off the beaten track on snowshoes!
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Guided snowshoeing
Half day or full day private guided snowshoeing walks
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley on foot.
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Guided off-piste Vallée Blanche
Experience a guided off-piste ski or snowboard adventure on the Vallée Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism. Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.
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Heliskiing/boarding
Heliskiing/boarding trip in Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass.
For backcountry adventures, this independent company operates in and around the following three heliski destinations: Valgrisenche, The Courmayeur Valley and the Col de Petit St Bernard Pass. They have pioneered 32 drop zones within these three broad valley regions giving you a huge choice of terrain, snow conditions and mountain orientation to ensure you have a day best suited to your ability and preferences.
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Mer de Glace glacier hike
Full-day glacier hike on the Mer de Glace 'Sea of Ice' with experienced guide
Experience one of the best known glaciers in the Alps, safe in the hands of an experienced local guide.
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Helicopter tours
10, 30 or 60 minute private helicopter tours for up to five people
A fantastic way to see the resort with your friends and family and a great way to entertain any non-skiers in your group.
